HP set to merge PC and printer divisions

HP set to merge PC and printer divisions
HP wants to sell PCs and printers in package deals

Hewlett-Packard is preparing to announce the merger of its Personal Systems and Imaging and Printing divisions as part of a major restructuring operation.

AllThingsD reports that the alignment of the PC and printing groups is the latest cost-cutting and streamlining exercise, following the appointment of CEO Meg Whitman.

This comes after HP's decision to hang onto its PC-making division, which is the world's largest, rather than sell it off, amid falling sales and a drop in revenue.

The IPG, long the saviour of the company's financial reports, has also seen a drop-off lately, with earnings falling 7 percent to $6.3 billion in the last quarter.

Although HP has so far refused to comment on the report, it is thought that joining the divisions will make it easier for the company to sell PCs and printers to the same folks - consumers and businesses.

Turbulent times

2012 has already been a turbulent year for Hewlett-Packard, with the company vowing to turn its disastrous WebOS acquisition into an open source success story.

The operating system cost HP $1.2 billion back in 2010, but the failure of the HP TouchPad and Pre 3 devices left the company looking for a way out.

HP will hope that this, yet to be confirmed, reshuffling operation will help to revive fortunes after a dodgy couple of years, fueled largely by indecision at the top.

Via: AllThingsD

Chris Smith

A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.